Home Economics Review: 49ers Foam Finger, $7 (Season 2 Episode 1)

The Hayworth siblings are back with family conflict and love in equal measure, hitting that sweet spot of wholesome comedy on Home Economics Season 2 Episode 1. “49ers Foam Finger, $7.”

Season 1 of Home Economics had a mere 7 episodes, which is not a lot of time to get to know the characters very well, especially with it being an ensemble sitcom. It did so well with character development in the short time it had that getting reacquainted for the second season is not nearly as tedious as it could’ve been.

There are still the main themes of income disparities among the siblings and the family dynamic of Tom (Topher Grace) writing his book about them. The expositional content is included like another family member, and casually, so as not to hit the audience over the head with it.

Tom’s introduction even has a meta nod to itself: “Chapter 8, Tom’s family had gotten used to the idea that he was writing a novel about them. And now it felt like the Hayworths were entering a new season together. Stronger, connected, more devoted than ever.”

This is followed up by family brunch where talk of inexpensive weekend outings is trumped by Connor (Jimmy Tatro) having them all accompany him on a business meeting in the luxury suite at Levi Stadium for a 49ers game. Thus, setting up ideal conditions to play with those themes.  

Just Guys Being Dudes

It’s been established that Connor is the sporty, athletic type and that Tom is the opposite—brainy and bookish. This football plot gives the opportunity for not only Connor to poke fun at his brother but the whole family. Tom tends to be a know-it-all—although not in an insufferable way—so the digs at him can be taken as goodnatured fun rather than mean-spirited.

It also leads to Tom embarrassing himself, which was one of the many aspects that worked so well on Season 1. He could’ve taken the football widow’s advice and just chilled out and enjoyed the luxuries of the luxury suite, but that is not his nature. Tom feels the need to prove himself by pretending to be something he’s not. 

Tom proceeds to talk about the sport he had just Wikipedia’d that morning to Pro Football Hall of Famer, Jerry Rice, not knowing that he’s in the presence of an NFL legend.

Tom: If I had to pick my favorite down, I’d say 3rd down. What’s your favorite down?
Jerry Rice: Touchdown.
Tom: Huh, I didn’t know that was an option.

A nice addition to this dynamic is that Tom’s wife, Marina (Karla Souza), is a huge 49ers fan. Connor has her be his wing-woman for the schmooze fest and, of course, she is mistaken as his wife and not Tom’s. Thankfully, this is just used for a few jokes and laughs rather than a whole plotline.

And the two of them ganging up to tease Tom makes their support later all the sweeter.

Feminism and Cheerleading

Just like Tom and his penchant for sticking his foot in his mouth, Sarah (Caitlin McGee) passionately defending her principles is another strong carry-over from Season 1.

The cheerleading debate she has with her wife, Denise (Sasheer Zamata), makes for clever and funny discourse. 

Sarah: Okay, sure, they’re fun to watch and their moves are fire—I think I used that correctly—but they’re only here to support the men on the field.
Denise: That’s not true, they’re athletes in their own right.

She can get so stuck in her social justice warrior mindset sometimes, it’s nice when Denise or her kids can show her other perspectives. Denise is particularly good at this and this episode is a shining example. Rather than just telling Sarah that Shamiah wants to try out for the cheer squad, she uses Sarah’s own progressiveness against her. 

Denise tells her that their son, Kelvin, is the one interested in cheerleading, and Sarah plays right into the trap. “Okay, so if your son is a cheerleader, that’s progressive, but if your daughter’s a cheerleader, that’s regressive,” Denise coolly paraphrases. Their discussion extends to another fan in the stands, and it is a highlight of the episode.

Phil: I don’t know, Sarah, it sounds like you’re proposing a false choice between female empowerment and sex positivity.
Denise: He’s got a point.
Tom: All right, who wants the luxury suite?
Denise: Oh, you can go.
Sarah: Just in time. I’ve had enough of Gloria Steinem over here.
Denise: Hey, Phil gets it.
Phil: *burps*

Oftentimes, a show’s sophomore outing can be clunky in trying to find its footing again. Home Economics easily sidesteps that common pitfall with this strong and savvy premiere.

Extra Expenditures:

• As someone who was a Niners fan as a kid, this Jerry Rice cameo is pretty great. 
• It’s always nice to see Ray Wise.
• Denise: Admit it, I got you. Ya burnt.
  Sarah: I’m not burnt. I remain unburnt.
• I love this Friday Night Lights reference and that both Tom and Connor love Kyle Chandler as Coach Taylor.
• “You don’t have to love football to love Friday Night Lights, right?”
• Tom making the field goal but falling on his ass is the perfect way to wrap up that storyline, and all the callbacks to his past on the diving team make it even better.

What did you think of this episode of Home Economics? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Critic Rating:

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Home Economics airs Wednesdays at 9:30/8:30c on ABC.

Featured Image Photo Credit: ABC/Richard Cartwright

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